Independent musicians, in particular, benefit from Internet exposure.
The Internet is a highly effective platform for sharing a wide variety of content, including music, videos, and photos. Artists can reach millions of people who would otherwise never see or hear their work. An online music website provides the opportunity for listeners to hear your music and may entice visitors to purchase and download your songs as well. Music sites on social networking platforms such as MySpace also can help build a solid, loyal fan base. Anyone can create a music site using a variety of free tools.
Instructions
1. Create a MySpace Music page. This is a popular way to create an online portal for your music. Even the most successful commercial artists do not shy away from the many benefits of a MySpace Music account. The system has a built-in music streaming engine to allow your music to be shared with anyone. Musicians may decide if their page should offer direct free download of the music tracks, or provide them for online streaming only. Additionally, the MySpace Music interface allows for easy inclusion of tour and concert dates. Perhaps most importantly, the vast MySpace user base means your music can be heard by millions of MySpace users worldwide (as well as non-members), many of whom may become registered fans. Creating a MySpace Music page is a good idea even if you have other websites for your work, because MySpace is often the first stop for individuals looking for more information on a particular band or artist. It is free to create a MySpace Music profile; for many musicians, this fulfills all their needs.
2. Build a music website with Wix. Unlike MySpace, which creates a page that is formatted similarly to other MySpace pages, Wix allows you to design a site with greater control over its look and feel. The site is hosted for free on the Wix system and many convenient templates and "widgets" allow for considerable creative control over the site's design. If desired, you can also use Wix to build a MySpace layout, but even greater flexibility comes with using it for an independent site. You get a wealth of graphic design options and music streaming players to integrate with its web pages. Visitors can share your music on other websites through a viral embedding technique, which can further spread the word. The creative potential is limitless. The gallery of Wix user websites demonstrates the vast potential of its design tools.
3. Register with Google Sites and build an independent website. This option offers the greatest control over site design. Google Sites, like other design services, offers many professional template layouts to get anyone started immediately on crafting a music site. However, Google Sites also offers the ability to manually edit the HTML code, which may entice individuals who want the most hands-on control available. While manual programming is not required, the option to make minute changes to an interface or web page may satisfy some musicians' needs. Share music on a Google Sites page by uploading MP3 files directly through the service, or embedding flash music players from other services. Music videos, for instance, can be shared on a Google Sites page by embedding the HTML code from a video sharing service. The design process is quick and free, but does require a Google account (also free). It is possible to have a Google Sites music site up and running within minutes.
Tags: Google Sites, MySpace Music, your music, control over, control over site